Video game streaming firm OnLive has launched a mobile client for select Android devices, bringing the latest and most graphically intensive titles to the fastest-growing category of consumer electronic devices. The service, which launched last year for Windows and Mac OS X systems, promises console-like gaming on a multitude of devices without compromises and without big downloads gobbling up local storage.
There are currently over 25 games optimized for touchscreen environments, some of them using overlay controls, while others including L.A. Noire and Defense Grid have been specifically redesigned for touch input. The company is working with publishers to make more games in the OnLive library touch-compatible.
For those not too keen on playing AAA game titles using a touch interface, OnLive plans to release a $50 wireless controller compatible with smartphones and tablets that allows users to explore the entire OnLive game library. It also works with the Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Mac or OnLive's MicroConsole using a USB dongle.
OnLive's Android app is free to download and includes a copy of Lego Batman: The Videogame for free to get you started. An iOS version will be out soon pending approval. Users will be able to stream games through both Wi-Fi and mobile networks, provided they can get speeds between 1Mbps and 5Mbps.
Here's a list of devices that currently support OnLive's mobile client:
Tablets
- Acer Iconia Tab A500
- ASUS Eee Pad Transformer
- HTC Flyer
- HTC Jetstream
- Motorola Xoom
- Samsung Galaxy Tab
- Sony Tablet S
- Toshiba Thrive
Smartphones
- HTC EVO
- HTC Nexus One
- HTC Rezound 4G
- HTC Sensation
- HTC Sensation XL
- Motorola Droid 2
- Motorola Droid X2
- Motorola DROID BIONIC 4G
- Motorola DROID RAZR 4G
- Motorola Photon 4G
- Samsung Galaxy S II 4G